A ROYAL ELEPHANT

ISARDA OR SAWAR, CIRCA 1700-20

ISARDA OR SAWAR, CIRCA 1700-20
Pen, ink, gouache, and gold on paper, with black margin.
12 3/4 x 17 1/2 in. (32.5 by 44.5 cm)

Indian miniaturists are often lauded for endeavoring to capture not only the physical representation of their subjects, but also their character. This bull elephant has a formidable affect. His recent aggression has prompted the mahouts to temporarily chain both of his hind legs. His bulging limbs and rooted stance have a mountainous quality, aided by the almost topographical lines used to render him. The painting belongs to a series of royal elephants which also includes lot 1218 in this sale.

Published:
Arthur Tooth & Sons, Indian Paintings from the 17th to 19th Centuries, 1974, no.62.

Provenance:
Arthur Tooth & Sons, 1974
Peter Cochrane
Private Scandinavian collection
Bonhams, London, 24 April 2012, lot 266